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POEMS 



A Flash From Afar Ut Pignus Amiciti; 



By 
WILLIAM j: CREQUE 

MERCED, CALIFORNIA 



SAN FRANCISCO 
19 08 






LlBfiARy f CONGRESS 
y»»c Couv rtecwved 

JUN 23 WU« 

OoKjr u«(ii tiury 
COPt B 



Copyright IQ08 
By William J. Creque 



DEDICATED 

TO THE FOUNTAIN CITY 
BY THE AUTHOR 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/poemsflashfromafOOcreq 



CONTENTS 

Roseanna 9 

Friendship's Gift 10 

One Member . .- 11 

Paean 12 

Two Wee Lassies 15 

A Friend 16 

Brave Fireman 18 

Fresno's Park 19 

Dregs of Life T 22 

The False Letter 23 

To Baby Benno 24 

Lonely Life 25 

My Island Home, Farewell 26 

Memory's Own Bower 29 

Evening in Beautiful Merced 33 

A Look Within 34 

To a Very Dear Friend 35 

The Call — I Am Going 36 

Christ, the Star of Hope 37 

The Weather-Beaten Roe 38 

Salutation 39 

Dream of the Cross by Day and Night .... 40 

The Going of William 42 

The Lark as He Flies Away 45 

A Visit by Three Boys 46 

Evening 48 

In Merced, California 49 

Man's Dividing Power 50 

Song of the Sea 52 

A Beam of Light 54 

June Wedding 55 



Her Picture 57 

Lady Clara 58 

The Coming Storm 59 

The Beautiful White Navy 60 

Greeting from Yosemite 61 

Bear Creek 62 

Christmas 63 

In Beautiful Merced 64 

Higgins of Lemoore 65 

First Letter to My Little Girl 68 

An Exquisite Blossom of San Joaquin .... 69 

Madrienne of San Joaquin 70 

In Memoriam 72 

Under the Oleander Tree JJ 

Thankfulness . 78 



Poems 



ROSEANNA 

Deck her brow with roses, sweet 

Cali. beauties — such a treat — 

Bank them deep in her home 

And lay you down the gauntlet there. 

When setting sun with azure bright 

Beaming there for one last sight, 

So bright and sweet the last good night, 

Roseanna is the crown of light. 

The lilies hear her walking by, and 

Say, "Come, come, come, exquisite Roseanna, 

Give us light, far in the night ; 

Our beauty hide." Before your sight 

The forget-me-not, its blue-tinged blossom, 

Hides around the showery fountain. 

I come, I come not from the mountain, 

But from the valley with sweet perfume. 

Roseanna's arm is filled with blossoms ; 

Drop them, dear, one by one; 

Let them fall with might and manner, 

Sweet brown eyes, divine Roseanna, 

Roseanna with her curly hair, 

Each one sighs to see her stare. 

Roseanna's eyes, like a fawn's of the mountains, 

Flashing light to the valley below ! 

Each flash a cupid dart so sweet. 

Lay you down, close by her feet. 

Bewitching Roseanna, stylish Roseanna, — 

Roseanna with the sweet, curved mouth, 

Lend thy charm to the mirror of morning 

And flash thy beauty far out to sea. 



FRIENDSHIP'S GIFT 

Who hear the roll of friendship's call 
Gather around the fire; 
Glittering sparks fall from the mind, 
Onward speed thro' cultivated brain. 
Hear the echo as it returns 
Please the mind and soul of man. 
Friendship, the kind 
That spreads like the ocean, 
Carry the current to other shores; 
Beat on the cliff with mighty roaring; 
Tell them come under its benign power- 
Long in life its onward march 
Carrying its banner above the storm. 

Long may it live in such grand form, 
Spreading from the rising tide 
To the going down of the sun. 
Ever meet and never deplete, 
So shall ages record our feat; 
Bitterness cease, here is peace 
Round the glowing log crackling 
Sparks flying to other clime, - 
Minds uniting, love trying 
To forge friendship's ties. 



10 



ONE MEMBER 

O mischievous member, wanton member, 
One that rolls around like thunder, 
Though your voice is not as loud, 
Still it tears asunder, 
Around ; around ; like robin's blunder, 
Ready to accuse the world of plunder — 
In the valley, on the hill it wanders. 
Glorious you spread the scorching flame- 
It burns ! It burns ! 
Deep where it burns, 
Though in his hand he held an urn, 
You gather all the long, long day 
That which is good. 

You stow away 

And keep it — oh, long, long delay — 

But that which savors more like spice 

Is flung to the breeze, no matter the price. 

The dewdrops seem to hide from it, 

The budded rose rejects it, 

The lily will not rest with it; 

Its fungus still is spreading. 

Deliverance from thee — 

When, oh, when? Not 

Until the clay redeems its own. 



in] 



P^EAN 

High up in Cornell hay barn 
Cas-Corenzie Company Show 
Gave a treat to their friends 
A very select few. 

The program seems to procrastinate, 
The audience clap their hands with grace, 
Suddenly Mackenzie shows his face 
In acrobatic stunt. 

He bowed with such delightful ease, 
The audience knew he was trying to please. 
He'd catch the rope and swing and swing 
As if the world depended upon him. 

Surely he played before two queens 
So rare the world had never seen, 
Genevieve Castle, Mercedes Castle, 
Both with castles on the hill. 

With yonder valley glowing, 
With precious fountain flowing, 
Blossoms gently throwing, 
To Mercedes the queen. 



[12] 



Wilmer and Chandos's Orchestra, 
Notes were flying like fiery chords. 
Every time the baton fell 
Brutus howled with exquisite joy. 

Along the banks of Karmelon, 
A stray heart passing by, 
Stuck through and through 
With cupid darts, 
And yet it went on by. 

Hall Mackenzie, clown renown, 

Is hardly up before he is down, 

And makes he such a tremendous sound 

On loose carpet and hay around. 

Martin Kidd, the great Hawkshaw, 
Had just rounded up the bank robber, 
Shot two down. Bang ! Bang ! 
What shall we do with these dead men? 
There is no life in either of them. 
Go and call the hypnotic. 
(Enter Lucius Cornell.) 



13 



Consultation running high, let them lie, 
Lucius' hand was raised on high, 
Magic pass before the eye, 
They wake up, who knows why, 
Life was still within the eye. 

Not since the Arabian Nights were boys 
Was there such display of real joy, 
Each little eye was twinkling bright, 
Just like a star in the darkest night. 



[H] 



TWO WEE LASSIES 

Two pretty peas in one little pod, 

Neatest, sweetest, on the sod — 

Highland produce. 

Nothing can come up to 

Two pretty peas in one little pod. 

As blossoms they are rare, 
Flourishing in perfumed air, 
Brightness generated from the pair. 
'Neath rays of love so dear 
Heaven longs for such as they 
While in youth's divining day. 

Let your aim from year to year 
Be just like pretty robin. 
Hear, hear, he sings so sweetly, 
He calls, he calls me with his note, 
So sweetly it rolls from his throat. 
On the bough he sings and swings 
Beautiful notes so bright and clear. 

The breeze it sways the pretty bird, 
Its breast heaves with joyful tale 
Tells its mate o'er Joaquin dale. 
With dearing grace the news is told, 
Little hearts fluttering bold, 
Away they fly, joy, sweet joy, 
They have that which love employs 
To guide them on their way — 
Love was found this day. 



[15] 



A FRIEND 

Where is Madeline? 

Madeline ! Madeline ! 

Madeline is here, here, here, 

So sing the birds at twilight 

Madeline is gone. 

Idle tears — tears since Madeline is gone 

Oh, sweet honeysuckle 

That twines around the heart 

With fragrance so sweet 

Clean, deep, and strong, 

Where it beats strong and faster. 

Heart, O heart, where is thy wonder? 

Gone to her loved one far, far away 

Sing, birdie, sing; twitter, twitter, twitter, 

It's her song all day long. 

Glance at the roses 

And hear what they are saying : 

Bright, bright, bright. 

Read deep in their bower 

And note what they're saying. 



16 



Madeline is sad, oh, so sad, 

Carry the news on the hilltop 

Where the fawn and the lambs are playing ; 

Tell them of love, 

They know of its grandeur 

Deep down in the rusty mountains 

Where the eagle hides its prey 

The voice of Madeline is singing, singing of thee. 

Madeline, so stately and grand, 

Her eyes so blue with liquid dew 

Her mouth the curve of love. 



Fresno, May n, 1905. 



[17] 



BRAVE FIREMAN 

Fire in the night 

So dismal and bright 

Seems we will have a very hard fight. 

Ladder, hose and nozzle have we; 

On to the blaze ! We will battle away ! 

High up in the third story 

A life to be saved. 

Fire is breaking through window and gable. 

Up with the ladder, boys ! 

Up with the ladder ! 

Scamper up, fireman ! Long is the ladder. 

Fire ahead, and smoke all around — 

Dashes into the window the brave fireman, 
Huddles together, mother and babe ; 
Fire crackling and walls tumbling down. 
Into his strong arms he took mother and babe, 

Back to the window the brave fireman ; 
Down the ladder with his precious burden. 
Long may they live in their good old age, 
For they shall be saved by the brave fireman. 



[18 



FRESNO'S PARK 

There is a spot in Fresno town 
That nature deems it all renown, 
A place where all can go and lounge 
Together on the mound. 

Where the courthouse band abound. 
The courthouse we are justly proud, 
For in its halls justice is loud 
Proclaiming peace to all the crowds. 

Round and round the park is green, 
Round and round the hemlock is seen. 
Let us watch the passing team, 
Every one is on the green. 

Spacious park! Wondrously grand! 
Is there a lake close at hand? 
So we can watch from the band-stand 
The gambol in this fairyland. 



[19] 



Spreading palms and magnolia tree, 
Under these we wait for thee — 
So beautiful and yet not complete, 
Like a galleon at its master's feet. 

The gambols of the frolicksome youth 

Rolling on the grass, 

It makes an old man think, 

What is coming to pass. 

Why not make it still more grand? 
So it will be the best in the land, 
For we have the grandest stand 
In the San Joaquin. 

Nature gives us all the wealth 
Here we have the grandest health 
Why not capture nature's wealth 
That abounds the courthouse round. 



[20] 



Children's playground, oh, so grand, 
Can you not see them all over the land? 
Make them so that they will stand, 
For you have the grandest band 

In the San Joaquin. 
Discourse music, oh, so sweet, 
Make us old ones pat our feet; 
Come in the park, it's such a treat, 

Lovely walks and flowers so sweet; 
Still more grand the ladies you meet, 
They enjoy the work so neat, 
In the courthouse park. 



[21] 



DREGS OF LIFE 

Life so dear, and yet despair, 

Though wandering all the year 

To find a place to suit your taste 

Amongst the woodland brier. 

O land of thought, from you I bought 

Wisdom all the year. 

Have shown to me the wisdom 

Of not waiting all the year. 

Stretch out upon the moorland 

And watch the fleeting time 

And see if they will wait until you get in line. 

Methinks I hear the clashing 

Of all the army's marching 

To peace or to glory, 

No matter what's the story. 

Oh, bitter life, why so much strife! 

Have years not taught thee aught? 
Go gather posies and roses, 
And little buttercups; 
Even honeysuckle will help you 
In your ill make-up. 



[22] 



THE FALSE LETTER 

How lonesome by my fireside 
Since Joe has gone away, 
The glow is not so bright 
As when my boy was here. 

Oh, the sound I hear, 'tis his name, 
Joe, Joe, the wind is mocking. 
My very heart beats fast, fast — 
Strange I hear his voice so sweet 

Upon the gentle breeze of morn 
The roses nod with their sweet perfume 
While blossoms tell of tenderness — 
Break, heart, break out of my side 

And let the ache go by. 

My heart is like a millstone — 

Keeps grinding, grinding away. 

Free thyself from entanglement 

And leave this frame a wreck, a wreck. 



[23 



TO BABY BENNO 

Buds and blossoms so very rare, 
Just like Benno, oh, so fair, 
As the dewdrops in the air. 
Come and deck our roses, dear, 
Little sweetheart of the year; 
Have you seen other states so fair? 

Welcome, thrice welcome, to Pacific sphere, 

All the way from St. Paul, 

This little Miss, the beauty of all, 

Came to see us; though not very tall, 

She has captured us all, 

The sweet little doll. 

Weave the roses around her brow, 

May her path be decked with love. 

Loved one thou hast found a place, 

Deep down in our heart, no matter what race, 

Weave the honeysuckle around our heart, 

So the fragrance will never part. 

Benno, you are our little sweetheart, 
Come to us just as thou art, 
Baby-like in the dead of night, 
Knowing there was one bright light, 
Mother welcoming thee 
In Fresno's sight. 



August, 1905. 



[24] 



LONELY LIFE 

Lonely life — 'tis good sometimes 
That we may know ourselves; 
There is much within that will come out 
If we but know ourselves. 

Ask yourself why you are here, and 
Whither must you go, 
And if your errand here is complete 
In this grand world of light. 

Let not your mind go back 

To the flowers and the field, 

For then 'twas youth who guided thee 

In a realm of his own. 

But now the sturdy old wanderer 
Is still climbing the hill, 
And from the top he looks afar — 
There is more yet to climb, 
And beyond that a valley 
Filled with dead and dying. 

His strength is feeble, but he knows 
To that great valley he must go ; 
Yet he clings to earthly things. 
The seed was planted years ago, 
The fruit is now just ripe; 
His anchor holds in sandy ground 
Until the storm appears. 

December 6, 1900. 



25 



MY ISLAND HOME, FAREWELL! 

Farewell, Anegada, farewell! 
Coming back ? I cannot tell ; 
But the pretty young girls that I leave 
May bring me back again. 

One night as the moon shone bright 
From under a dark, wild cloud 
To me it was like a night on shore 
When I gazed on the water below — 

Transfixed I gazed on the rising sea, 
My native land so far from me. 
Isle of my youth, I cannot dispute 
Thy charms are still in my sight; 

I wander o'er hilly land and sea 
But still I'll come back to thee. 
Gorgeous bowers with many wild flowers, 
Milky bush tree with its snow-white flowers, 



[26] 



The lingeloram tree with many a tower 
Calling to heaven for its generous shower. 
Down came the rain in its glorious power 
Giving to the lover a matchless hour, 

Cooing and wooing like the sweet turtle-dove 
Under the shadow of the old elm bough. 
Love is like a spring with a cool, fresh draught 
Galloping over with new-made thought, 

Wondering if it ever was bought 
From the mind or of the heart. 
Oh, dear isles of yonder sea, 
He shall soon come back to thee ; 

Isles of my heart, so starry and bright, 
Sowing the seed of love's delight. 
Calm on the surface, the wondrous sea 
Girdled the island so amorously ; 



[273 



Valleys of grandeur, the beauteous fields ; 
Streams that are galloping so merrily by ; 
Methought it was the humming 
Of voices ever coming, 

In yonder valley gathering 
Those flowers that are withering. 
It makes the heart so sad 
In all the years of offering; 

The time is drawing near 
When we alone must stand 
And pay tribute to the mind 
That leads us to the land. 



[28 



MEMORY'S OWN BOWER 

Light, light, light, ere the darkness overshadows us ! 

He places his hand upon the wheel 

To steady the bark, ere the breakers engulf us — 

His mind is far to seaward, his heart is on the land, 

Land of the Indies, sunshine and flowers. 

Give back the one that strayed years, years ago ; 

Is he on that bark whose pounding and grinding I hear ? 

The sails all in tatters and bulwarks all gone, 

Land of the Indies, he is still at the helm, 

Mighty as the billows that land on his bark. 

Heart on land, what hast thou found there to stay 

Away from the warmth of your keeping? 

I have found love in a bower of roses, 

Her song so sweet it thrills the heart of the poet 

Who sings of the raging waters of the Caribbean sea. 

Down amongst the coral in the pearly ground 

Of the ocean, there I met my mermaid, 

Lovely as the dream of Niema standing guard at 

The gate of the pearly deep. 



[29] 



He that enters the gate of pearl 

Must be love's own choice, 

The darling of the gods, 

Whose peace of mind has not been disturbed 

In wandering up hill and over dale, 

Where Love is found in her gorgeous hiding place 

Mid vines and flowers, 

Where bees sip the nectar from the overflowing cup. 

Ah, Love divine, thou charmest the heart 

Mid flowers and bloom ; 

Stretch out thy hand, help breach over the chasm 

Where Love mighty stands and be engulfed by the breakers. 

Breakers ahead ! Love's hand overtake thee and 

Guide thee in a peaceful haven. 

Come and see him stand before the bar of Love's 

Court, a victim condemned, whose councilors' 

Endeavors are of no avail, 

Save Love's own pleading. 



[30 



Love divine, whose image stands out 
Like morning dressed in her gorgeous best, 
Linger ere thou kiss the dew from his brow 
Where matchless streams abound 
With rippling and splashing waters, 
Going on, on, as if to catch a glimpse 
Of her whose greatness, glory and beauty 
Thrill the heart with love and madness. 

On, on, race ye lovers, and battle 

With storm and tide 

For the heart of her, like Niema's dream, 

Chasing the light as of a black and stormy night 

I hear the raging of the wind 

With its mournful tone telling of a heart 

That is shipwrecked far out at sea. 

No beacon-light to cheer, 

But roaring storm within and without, 

The surging waters lashing and splashing, 

No quarters given but the boundless deep, 

Whose victim stands as a barrier against 

The boundless ocean. 



3i 



Never again will I wander from Love's threshold, 

Where fondness greets me at my coming, 

Lavishing kisses like the bee from flower to flower, 

Drawing out the honey from flowers and blossoms. 

Guided by the sweet perfumes of loveliness 

I enter the abode of my own Marie — 

Marie, whose charms are like morning dew 

Upon the flowers of May and June. 

I sing thy praise from hill and dale ; 

No more I roam the raging main, 

For thou hast found me just the same 

In the realm of thy undying bliss. 

A lover beguiled only by thy charm 

I stand and watch thy rounding form — 

Such grace no other has yet been found 

To match thy loveliness. 



[32] 



EVENING IN BEAUTIFUL MERCED 

As I was passing Cumberland Church 
On Canal Street one evening early in April, 
When blossoms held full sway 
In the fountain city of San Joaquin, 
On the church lawn, out on the green 
Were pastor and beautiful lambs to be seen— 
Each with dish of toothsome sweet ; 
Oh, such smiles would pay for the treat. 
He molds them deep ; he molds them sweet— 
Those trusting lambs around his feet. 
As the breeze blows through spicy fields, 
Love, as fragrance there to please, 
Lasting will be that beautiful scene ; 
Lasting his memory will be green 
Among that band of sweet little peas. 



33 



A LOOK WITHIN 

Oh, wonderful name that charms our hearts 
And bids us keep His word, 
'Tis music to our broken hearts 
The name of Christ, the Lord, 

The Saviour gracious. We know 
He sanctified our hearts 
In prayer ; we all know His precious face 
And gladly lay this world aside. 

Companion of our lonely soul 

Is Christ, the Lord ; 

He makes our heavy hearts aright 

In sending light and comfort within ; 

He bids us watch for His word 
That comes from His throne. 
O God, Thy name is more than light 
To the thirsty souls here below ; 

It brings rejoicing to the heart forevermore. 
Blessed be our trying faith in Thy holy name, 
Redeem the falling by the wayside 
And let a spark lead us to Thee. 

Merced, November 25, 1906. 



[34] 



TO A VERY DEAR FRIEND 

Late and early as the seasons roll 

My dear friend the Colonel bold, 

Just as bright as the merry gold — 

Beautiful plant not brighter than he 

Though you shine with the sparkling dew. 

His heart 'tis like the roaring torrent, 

Knows no turning aside from you ; 

It aspires high where all is gracious. 

That dewdrop friend, 

The morning splendor, 

Down in the valley or up on the hill, 

Rushing of waters no matter what ill, 

Gladly he steps on the brink of the hill 

And stretches out his hand, 

So sweet his good will. 



April 17, 1906. 



[35] 



THE CALL— I AM GOING 

Life and its fullness I have seen 

In the morning of light; 

My life is now like the troubled sea, 

Waiting the ebb-tide. 

Gradually it steals upon this mortal frame 

And liberates what is within. 

Say not farewell with pain of parting, 

For on this road joy is untold 

For they that tread this path of glory 

Are joyful till the end. 



April 1 6, 1906. 



[36 1 



CHRIST THE STAR OF HOPE 

Merciful God, 

The joy of my salvation 

He that sits upon His throne 

Deliverer of my soul — 

To Thee I look for help in crossing over 

The troubled streams. 

Guide me, O Savior, Thy servant crossing o'er, 

When life is over; 

My bark be moored in the celestial shore 

Where reigns the King of Kings 

And Lord of Lords. 

Almighty God, Thou hast guided me 

Through seas, the breakers were dashing high, 

The angry waves ready to dash me 

In the foaming sea. 

I called to my Redeemer; 

Though my body went with the streams 

My soul was taken up to Thee. 

Sing to the Lord — 

His mercies endureth forever — 

Joyful tidings, rejoice, rejoice, 

All ye heavens ; 

For a soul is saved. 

Let the earth be rent asunder, 

But those that have the mark of Christ 

Will rejoice on that day when He comes. 



[37] 



THE WEATHER-BEATEN ROE 

I'm stalled in the craggy mountain path; 

The barking of the dogs I hear, 

The swishing of the branches — I know my end is near 

She came and thrust with sparkling blade 

The vital spot within the roe, 

And yielded him up as sport. 

Before the morn was over, 

He lay upon the hard, hard rock 

That abounds the mountain-side. 

Each drop the life was ebbing — 

Not dead, but living, 

With sparkling blade thrust through the heart. 

San Francisco, March 24, 1906. 



38] 



SALUTATION 

She waved her hand so light and fairy, 

The two-year-old, with grace so deary, 

In Union Square, where all seemed weary, 

This little sun-god, the sweetest baby. 

To me the salutation was so grand; 

It seemed 'twas flashed from a distant land. 

Pierce this heart of many stormy seasons 

And lend me a sunbeam that will waken my reason, 

Sitting around the monument so grand 

That was erected out of the best in the land 

For the Admiral and his gallant band. 

High up the shaft, 

Pointing toward the clouds, 

None were laid under sail below 

For they were more than a match for the foe. 

Gallant sons of the stars and stripes 

Running the gauntlet by fort at night, 

And when they opened the merry ball 

Every shell made destruction fall. 

When the smoke was cleared away 

The foe was sunk all around Manila bay. 

April 2, 1900. 



[39 



DREAM OF THE CROSS BY DAY AND NIGHT 

One night I lay upon my bed — 

Showers of thoughts came through my head 

Like showers from the mountain top 

Rolling down in rivulets below. 

Gauge not the thoughts as they ran 

Down on my murmuring heart. Depend 

A place where I alone can spend, 

Make there my own amend. 

I saw upon a mountain high 

A place where I could do and die — 

Not like the knights of old seeking gold, 

But I the cross upheld. 

Borne on upon the craggy hill, 

The path was precipitous and yet at will 

I gathered strength to march on still. 

A great big tree was in my path ; 

So majestically it stood 

Blocking my way I could not pass. 

Darkness gathered on all hand — 

So dense the darkness, O my soul ! 



[40] 



For yonder hill there is my goal. 

At last in darkness there appeared 

A cross so bright, so bright, so bright, 

Needless to say my heart was light; 

For in that day I followed my sight. 

The wind came blowing like a stormy night, 

Each branch it snatched down with its might 

And each disappeared from my sight. 

All left was the staunch big trunk 
And that, too, disappeared from view; 
The path was clear, the darkness over, 
And light shone over all. 
Within the temple, oh, so great, 
No signs of any mortal hate ; 
For there they all must state 
Their grievance to the cross. 
O cross of all the multitude, 
Guide us all in our happy mood, 
For there we'll find solicitude 
In realms of the cross. 



[41] 



THE GOING OF WILLIAM 

William not quite fourteen, portly as a man, 

Started out upon the ocean to visit distant lands, 

As happy as a lamb that frolicked on the green, 

Where its mother stood and watched him down by the stream. 

Yet William knew not trouble, 

For that was not his lot 

Until the ship's prow turned seaward 

And land lay far athwart. 

He saw the outlines of his home 

Disappearing far behind, 

The sea-gull crying the last farewell; 

Then William's mind was turned 

To home and mother, 

Where dim eyes carry the news, 

William is gone, William is gone. 



[42] 



They knew him by sight, 

For years of play had he 

Amongst ferns and love vines, 

Chasing the butterfly, 

The bob-o-link with his throbbing song, 

Calling his mate ere light began, 

Will, Will, William. 

It was he upon the deck 

When all the sails were set ; 

The ship was rolling lee rail in 

And, on his mettle, he was bent to be a sailor boy. 

He saw the flying fish dart out from ocean in the air- 

Their wings so bright, 

They dazzled the sight. 

To windward they did go 
Until, alas, their strength was spent 
And splash, splash they went. 
The dolphin swiftly passed the lee, 
Reaching for his prey, 



[43] 



Like streaks of gold in his wake, 

Running the gauntlet 

Until he met the squirming mess 

Flying here and there, 

But in the monster jaw — 

The great big monsters of the deep 

Had been awakened from their sleep, 

Spouting water high in the air. 

Making for the rear 

The swordfish on his great attack 

Upon the whale was bent, 

Making the sea a seathing foam 

Of lovely and sparkling waters. 

The whale would spout like a geyser, 

High in the air as a challenge 

To any who dared attack his whaleship on the sea. 

The battle was fought ; the battle was hot ; 

The battle was raging still 

Along the great Atlantic, 

Where the waters lashed at will. 



[44] 



THE LARK AS HE FLIES AWAY 

How beautiful the lark — 

His homeward flight ! 

Merrily glides the sweet song bird ; 

Whence came you, sweetheart ? the feathered bride 

From fields of blossoms by early tide, 

Gathering sweets from the lowland's love 

For the birdies high in the bough. 

Warble, sweetheart, the song of love, 

Warble on the tune so dear ; 

Warble thy song the whole year through, 

Warble on to your heart's delight: 

Bright summer sun, how sparkling! 

Dear Nature is loving us over a year ; 

Thy song is more charming each note I hear — 

Warble still, darling, thy notes in my ear. 

The turning of the tide 

Is for man and his bride, 

Not for us birdies high in the tree. 

We wander at will through flowers and rill — 

Nature is ours over valley and hill — 

Sing birdie, each note reaches the heart. 

In boundless harmony our voices raise 

With sweet acclaim to the Giver's name; 

Our bountiful harvest so abundantly given, 

Let us praise Nature, the god of the living. 



[45] 



A VISIT BY THREE BOYS 

Within my bungalow I sat 

One evening in November, 

No thought of any one coming 

From near or far away. 

I wandered deep in thought and song 

To Him, my only friend; 

I looked back on the world I knew — 

Nothing there to tempt my heart 

That I would turn again ; 

No warmth there for my heart 

In high or low estate. 

I wandered close to my garden gate 

Where peace and quietness dwelt, 

My soul was deep, quite covered over, 

Deep down my spirit dwelt; 

The world seemed dark with thunderbolts, 

Every look disappeared I saw, 

Until those three boys came within — 



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Such innocence, O Lord, 

Thou dost lend to the youth. 

For when they grow to riper age 

No not one spark is found ; 

It seems to change everything around 

And leave that precious part a blank. 

Oh, childhood, childhood, 

Why stay ye not longer 

And let me romp and play? 

For wherever I go 'tis May. 

The path is flowers all the way 

As far as the eye can see — 

Nothing to mar my sweet career 

Until the fatal day when I was twenty-one. 

Where brightness was, a cloud appeared 

And it got blacker every year; 

Where sympathy was, coldness has grown, 

My sense seems dull of sweet and kind things. 

No more I bubble o'er with laughter 

And tinge the air with joy, 

For that I know is lost since I am twenty-one. 



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EVENING 

The gloam of evening is approaching — 
See the twilight glimmer by ; 
The heart of yesterday ceased beating — 
Love is in the air. 
We receive the love of Nature — 
So gloriously greater, 
For all mankind is waving 
Evening a last adieu. 

Farewell Evening for summer sun has waned; 
Evening splendors gather 
With bright clouds of light; 
The twilight breezes are blowing 
So soft with sweet perfume ; 

Evening clouds are fleeting swiftly to the west ; 
The blaze and glory of sunset marks the end of day- 
Life is still endearing 
And lives to another day. 



[ 4 8 



IN MERCED, CALIFORNIA 

Easter eve as I passed the Episcopal Church 

In nineteen hundred and seven, 

Two sweet little maids 

Were emerging from its blossom-bedecked bower; 

Each little arm was filled with blossoms snowy white 

As if there were no more space to place them aright. 

Beautiful blossoms as beautiful hearts 

Each play their beautiful parts. 

These two hearts I know were pure, 

For within them both the soul was there. 

Blossoms, symbols of purity, 

You deck your church for Him that was 

The glory of the Son that rose. 



[49] 



MAN'S DIVIDING POWER 

Launch out upon the mountainside 
And see what is there today — 
Is man still building castles 
And howling for his pay? 
Why compromise it now? 
Is there not some other way? 
Gather all your might and strength 
And march the other way. 

He thinks he sees it clearer now, — 

Do you think he is right 

In gathering on the byways 

And showing so much fight? 

The other faction wonders why 

He is blowing hard at night ; 

His right none can dispute 

In giving out the truth, 

But leave us what we learn in youth 

Till age and till age. 



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Why teach there is no Creator, 
For time has taught us better ; 
We find in ourselves the master 
To make us understand. 
Teachers try to be faithful 
In scattering seeds of thought — 
Some will take root and grow 
While others will fall by the way. 
In summing up all our trouble 
And waking up before it is day 
Be careful and avoid all the roots 
That spread out all over the way. 

San Francisco, February 28, 1906. 



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SONG OF THE SEA 

Blow ye the gale of eveningtide, 

Everlasting billows roar; 

The sea raging as of old, 

Its songs so sweet and bold 

On all the land of old — ' 

Where is thy goal? 

Sing of the stormy weather 

Where we all must land together, 

Each heart so staunch and true, 

Making a grand review 

Upon the breakers' crest. 

Many lost days of rest, 

For many saw land abreast — 

Blow ye the gale, eveningtide 

When all the world is wide. 

Standing at the helm, battling with the tide, 

The soul of man must quiver 

While slowly entering the river. 

The tide so staunch and stiff 

May dash us on the cliff — 

Upon the goal our heart must hold. 

The beacon light of truth 

Will guide us in our time of youth 

Till age and till age. 



[52] 



Blow ye the gale of eveningtide, 

Everlasting billows roar; 

The sea will give up all its dead, 

Though long they lay upon its bed 

Waiting the call of that great Voice, 

Matchless in all its thunder, 

Handing out deeds to May and December. 

Give the Hand that rocks the world 

A place in all our chapter, 

For in His hand He holds the truth 

We gather years and years after. 



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A BEAM OF LIGHT 

My soul is on the mountain-top ; all alone 

I spied the wickedness of the world, all alone. 

But there is One who knows it well 

And turns His face away; 

Now darkness reigns where there was light 

Since God has turned away. 

My soul does thirst for the living stream 

That flows from Christ, the Lord — 

Forgive, O Lord, this wicked world 

That trespasses against Thy holy name 

And let us worship at Thy throne forevermore. 

Repentance for the sinner, Lord, 

Let all our hearts rejoice, 

In boundless harmony let us praise God. 

Our thirsty souls are well supplied ; 

Christ will turn to us again — 

Then we are blest. 



[54] 



JUNE WEDDING 

Hear, hear, hear ringing of the bell, 
"Sweetest peal," I heard them saying, 
Ringing for the beautiful wedding 
That will take place today. 
Little birds high on the boughs 
Let your songs be sweet today ; 
You will hear a peal of laughter 
When the bride comes home to stay. 

Blossoms and roses seem to fade 

When in the presence of such fairy maids ; 

The breeze would whisper kindly, 

So sweet-sounding o'er azure sky — 

The moon with listless beauty 

Rolling through the blue — 

While myriads of stars came peeping 

From a cloudless sky. 



55] 



Beauty in her marriage gown 

So majestically renowned — 

It should be a paradise 

Where they are found. 

Not even with a golden crown 

Could make it more enchanting, 

For love was there, deep-seated love, 

That runs on like a river; 

Its bank is swept with odor of sweetness 

And empties itself in the home of love. 



[56] 



HER PICTURE 

It stays there, mute as mute can be 

Upon that mantelpiece ; 

No sound it utters, truly no, 

But still it speaks out all the more. 

The pose — it seems to be for all 

Who would its lines draw out — 

The sweetest curve of nymph-like form 

Would grace any royal crown. 

It was placed there by gentle hands 

That drop little things around, the more to magnify. 

She plays with blossoms in her hand, 

The most rare in the land, 

Until the artist throws the image on a sensitized plate. 

Her charms were transplated on the spot, 

Her eyes cast down, but there was no frown. 

A crown of glowing smiles — 

It bade you stare, for all was there, 

The willowy youth so fair. 



[57] 



LADY CLARA 

Away in a mountainous country 
Where no other dares to creep 
Above the floor of the valley, 
Where no one dares to peep, 
A little flower was growing 
In its sweet retreat. 
What name hast thou, little flower? 
For God sent you the April shower 
That you might grow and grow 
And make your home a bower. 
No answer, yet you seem so bright; 
God hath given you beautiful light 
And set you above mortal height 
Close to his tower. 
Then came little birds flying — 
'Twas paradise they were singing, 
Clar, Clar, Clar, Clara. 



[58] 



THE COMING STORM 

The rainbow with its brightest hue 

Stands out upon the sky, 

The storm is breaking, breaking, 

No mortal man can see. 

The thunder is rolling, rolling; 

It shakes the hills afar, 

For God is just, no matter who we are. 



159 



THE BEAUTIFUL WHITE NAVY 

When the mighty American navy- 
Enters the great Pacific 
It will roll, roll, Pacific roll, 
And dash against the gate of gold. 



[60] 



GREETING FROM YOSEMITE 

Oh, sanctum sanctorum, 

For ages holy of holies; 

Only the red men dance to its wondrous glories. 

Exquisite is thy beauty, magnificent thy charm — 

Let the world pay homage to thy beautiful crown. 

Canopied with beauty, the giant-like mountains 

Stand sentinel o'er valley below. 

Who placed such enchantments 

For souls that are crying more, more, more? 

And yet we are dying in this deep abyss. 

With fathomless minds try, and you will' find 

The key everlasting will be thine. 



[61] 



BEAR CREEK 

Peacefully, as if asleep, 

It runs by Merced town, 

Winding around the willowy bend, 

Shadows cast upon its face 

Like mirrors in the morning glare; 

No thundering, splashing and mighty roaring 

In bright and peaceful November — 

The leaves they drop one by one 

Upon its shining face. 

Slowly they move along 

Like flakes of shining gold — 

Who cares to watch sweet nature 

When he is not in trouble. 

Go out upon the bank and lounge, 

Then listen, 'tis sweet to hear 

That which you hear, 

The murmur of the falling leaves; 

For long it dwelt when it was well 

With swaying of the breeze; 

It nods here and nods there, 

A welcome to its shady bough. 



[62] 



CHRISTMAS 

At Christmas-tide great joy springs up, 

To every heart the chorus goes; 

It penetrates far in the north 

Where ice and snow abound. 

Why comes such joy to man 

Close on Christmas day? 

Is the spirit working still with us 

As it did in Bethlehem? 

The wise men found that which they sought 

Not in palace grand with center all around, 

But in a manger the sweet babe was found. 



[6 3 ] 



IN BEAUTIFUL MERCED 

The South Methodists gave a social 

In March, nineteen hundred and seven, 

In the Castle of Pythian — 

Credit to those that's due. 

The decoration was true, 

More than pleasing to the eye 

That saw the beautiful view. 

Tables were set in grand array, 

Dainties were in great display, 

For all who came that way. 

The first that came was very tall — 

He was picturesque, that was all — 

As if he was of some ancient hall 

Waiting the bugle call. 

Beauty did the cooking, 

Beauty did the dishing up, 

Beauty did the waiting, 

While beauty did the eating 

In beautiful Merced. 



[6 4 



HIGGINS OF LEMOORE 

I know a lad in Dublin town 
His name was known from moor to down ; 
He wandered over the hills around 
And settled down in Lemoore town. 
From Queenstown to the open sea 
Land's-end was looming on the lee ; 
The ship was churning the ocean wild 
Making for the American soil. 

O sea that washes on the grand green isles, 

My heart is on the loftiest spires ; 

Leaving all my dear desires 

On the green sod around the fires. 

Ancient castles of Norman build, 

Classify us, if thou wilt ; 

Tell us of those mighty wars 

Thou hast waged on land and sea ; 



[65] 



Knights have battled for the power 
Lost, and wandered back over the sea. 
Crumble down, thou flat-shaped castle! 
Dust to dust thou wilt be in time ; 
Legions once in thy ramparts gathered, 
Battling hard for king and power. 
Higgins saw the crumbling tower 
And wandered of! to another clime. 

The great majestic steamboat power 
Cutting through raging sea and shower, 
Washing over deck and lower, 
Make them heave with all their power 
What they had not in their mind. 
At last the headland rises before us — 
Ship is plowing all the more. 
Land, oh, far to windward of us, 



[66] 



Ships to leeward sailing by 

Enter harbor, old Majestic, 

Scarred from battling with the brine 

Spacious harbor, wondrously grand! 

See, see where liberty's statue stands 

Blinking, blinking our welcome to land. 



[67] 



FIRST LETTER TO MY LITTLE GIRL 

My first letter to my little girl 

Away in San Leandro, 

In St. Francis Girls' Directory 

Where sisters hold full sway — 

Such gracious sisters they must be, 

Gentle and kind to these precious charges 

All the year around. 

Surely they are guardian angels on the mound 

Where Christ alone was found, 

To administer justice to mankind 

All the season round. 

My daughter Ella, what a treat 

To humble exquisite at your feet, 

As these few lines will convey to you 

My sweetest greet. 

Oh, bleak the stormy winds 

That gush on the shorn lamb — 

It still finds friends in this beautiful land. 



June 2, 1907. 



[68] 



AN EXQUISITE BLOSSOM OF SAN JOAQUIN 

He came from a city of beautiful mentha, 

He of grandeur, mein and manner — 

Like a sunbeam bright and cheery 

All around him must be merry. 

Ah, bright one, like one you have done it ; 

The nest is high in the tree, 

Blossoms cluster around it, 

As it did in San Joaquin. 



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MADRIENNE OF SAN JOAQUIN 

Madrienne ! Madrienne ! 

The call was sweet, the sun was high, 

The morning meal was served. 

In clustering coverlets 

She sleeps in her bed, 

One of the prettiest pearls of Merced. 

Oh, pearl of glaring brightness 

Which marks thy love and whiteness, 

The Mediterranean envies thee 

Of that which is in thy likeness. 

True blue is in the azure sky ; 
It calls thee ere the morning fly ; 
It waits thee for the glowing light 
That sparkles o'er the morning dew. 
In the valley of San Joaquin 
Such beauty there to be seen — 
Fields of ripening grain 
Swaying with the breeze ; 
Orchard and vineyard so complete, 
As if Eden were at your feet. 



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The linnet with its sweetest note, 

Here, here, Madrienne, Madri, Madri ; 

Over San Joaquin vale he flies ; 

Above him blue sky, 

Beneath fruit is ripening fast ; 

Strawberry, a vermillion bright, 

Apricot like nugget of gold, 

Peaches like her beautiful cheek 

With color flash and rare. 

And still they call Madrienne, Madrienne, 

From boughs of lofty trees 

Until they found the pearl 

Of clear and rare whiteness 

In Merced. 



[71] 



IN MEMORIAM 

Mrs. R. P. Lathrop, of Hollister, Cal. 
This is a token from William to Mr. Latt rop, written by his Father. 

— Wm. J. Creque. 

Gone to join the host who 

Is marching to the throne. 

There is One above ; she will surely enter in, 

So gentle was her teaching upon mortal earth, 

For love is only preaching of its own worth 

Lessons for the souls who stand before the throne 

To gather all our jewels 

We plant in this world. 

They will stand sponsor for us 

No matter where we go. 

The laws of nature tell us 

Upon the dawn of morn 

To gather sheaves of wheat 

Before the sun goes down. 

By day and by night ■ 

Flowers must be strewn 

Until the portal gate her soul enters in. 

Welcome thee to Paradise, the soul's own rest — 

Mighty Harvester, Thou hast reaped the golden seed 

Planted here amongst us, grown to a rose. 



[72] 



Oh, gracious good, what have I done to merit such a strain ; 

The flowers that have grown up 

Have weathered again, 

And now thy soul hast flown 

And whither shall I go? 

I fix my gaze upon her shroud — 

Immortal work of God. 

Go strew the flowers 

In the path where hearse passes over ; 

Go bank the blossoms in her grave 

That hides all so dear — 

Matchless in her death, who shall appear? 

No mortal man that comes shall go near. 

Mine eyes behold the loyal band, 

With wings and sword outstretched, 

The fiery sword pointing the way 

To truth and the gate. 

No resistance there I meet, 

But glide in on my wings. 



[73 



My escort, they were mighty, 

For long they stood the test, 

Gathering those that are on the way 

To reach the land of rest. 

Farewell, O grave, the mortal doom, 

For upon high I'll be soon 

Gathering that I earned so well 

In mortal land of strife. 

The Master called her by her name, 

And on the wing of Time she came 

Flying through such a glorious heaven 

Where all our loved ones are forgiven. 

Glorious time for all in heaven — 

Plenty of rest, for God has given 

Peace to her soul. 

In the realm of the other world, 

Standing on the precipice of Time, 

Viewing the glorious haven of rest, 

Seeing with these eyes what no mortal man can see- 

What a sight! 



[74] 



Glance down on the world below — 

There he stands close by the door 

Waiting the summons ; 

All the world is coming, 

For the day is approaching — all must rest. 

Back from my wandering, 

I hardly think I am blundering, 

The time will come when I will 

See her face to face 

Among the mighty spirits that give me the grace 

To have the courage to meet her face to face. 

What makes my troubled heart so sad ? 
Have I but lost the grip I had? 

stormy sea of tears and sorrow 
Canst thou not wait until tomorrow? 

1 gained a day yesterday, 

I must be on my loyal way 

Sowing the seed that will pay, 

Making for the glorious day when we all must pay. 



[75] 



O that the earth would take a flight 

Through space with all its worth, 

Not lowering man in his sphere, 

Nor changing the fleeting time, 

But bringing us nearer the goal of Love's abode, 

There rest the pebble on the beach 

The surf has rolled and tossed 

Mighty seas have helped it on 

At last it reached the shore. 



[ 7 6 



UNDER THE OLEANDER TREE 

Of days and years ago 

Even the birds seem dull in their praise 

Of the two that were there to embrace; 

Their hearts are still warm though years have gone by, 

With each thought that was dear to them. 

Under this tree you plucked that rose — 

Though it withered and faded away, 

My heart is still fresh with the vows that I made 

When the dewdrops fell on our heads. 

List to the birds ; their sweet note of praise ! 

They remember those words that were said. 

Loving hearts shall not wonder 

That dear thoughts grow fonder — 

Oleander tree bloom again! 

Reno, Nevada, 1885. 



[77] 



THANKFULNESS 

O Father, the God of the world ! 

Who showers His blessings upon us 

Regardless of those that are sinful, 

We forget Thy tender mercies 

And wander off from giving Thee glory. 

O God, we have rebelled against Thy goodness 

And left the rock of our salvation. 

that mine eyes might rest upon Thee, 

The joy of my soul, the brightness of my path, 
Though a mountain of darkness hast risen before me 
Thou hast not left me alone — 
A spark of thy light shines in my path, 

1 know my Redeemer is near. 

When calamity was coming Thou came 

In due time and strengthened 

My soul with the spark of Thy light 

That I could withstand the days 

Of trials that came upon me. 

O God, I ask Thee 

Let my soul rejoice at Thy coming. 

July 12, 1906. 



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J\W 



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